Device for massaging products

ABSTRACT

A device for treating products, in particular massaging meat products, comprises at least one treatment section with a space for receiving the products. Said space comprises a treatment device for treating the products. A discharge device is provided for discharging the products from the space of the treatment section. The discharge device can be brought into an active and an inactive operating state with the aid of an actuating device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This is a continuation application of PCT/NL02/00473 filed Jul.15, 2002, which is incorporated herein by reference. Priority is claimedfrom The Netherlands Patent Application No. 1,018,541 filed Jul. 13,2001, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to a device for treating products, inparticular massaging meat products, comprising: at least one treatmentsection having a space for accommodating the products, which spacecomprises treatment means for treating the products; and discharge meansfor discharging the products from the treatment section. In thiscontext, the term “massaging” is understood as meaning: subjectingproducts to mechanical influences and/or applying or introducingadditives to or into products subjected to mechanical influences.

DISCUSSION OF THE PRIOR ART

[0003] A device of this type is known, for example, from German PatentApplication No. 19,614,368. This device comprises a rotatable,essentially cylindrical drum with carrier profiles and arms havingscoop-shaped ends. A curved discharge gutter is fixedly attached to thedrum and always active during operation of the device.

[0004] Another known device is disclosed in The Netherlands PatentApplication No. 9,201,490. This device comprises a substantiallycylindrical or conical drum, the longitudinal axis of which ispositioned horizontally or at an angle to the horizontal. In itsinterior, the drum has a massaging surface with a star-shaped crosssection. Furthermore, guide means, comprising a helical plate elementwhich is mounted around an axis of rotation and the outer edge of whichis complementary to the massaging surface, are arranged in the drum,substantially inside the massaging surface.

[0005] When the device is being used, at least the massaging surface andthe guide means are rotated about the longitudinal axis of the drum,which may but does not necessarily also rotate, and meat products whichare to be massaged are successively fed to the drum at a feed endthereof. In the drum, the meat products slide over the tops of thestar-shaped massaging surface and over one another, so that thestructure of the meat products is changed and, for example, proteins arereleased from the meat. In addition, a massaging substance which isalready present or has been added to the drum, such as a gas, liquid ora granular or pulverulent solid, or any desired mixture of two or moreof these components, can be successfully distributed to and/or taken upby each meat product as a result of the massaging. The guide means guidethe meat products from the feed end of the drum to an opposite dischargeend, where the treated meat products leave the drum. The result is acontinuously operating device.

[0006] A drawback of the device according to The Netherlands PatentApplication No. 9,201,490 is that it lacks flexibility. The residencetime of the products in the device is substantially fixed for a fixedrotational speed of the massaging surface and the guide means, andconsequently different devices are required for products which requiredifferent residence times. This is because changing the rotational speedin order to change the residence time generally does not result in thedesired product properties, since this also causes the mechanical loadson the products as they pass through the device to change. Therefore,the capacity is linked to the intensity of the treatment. Consequently,a long residence time will require a long drum, while a short residencetime leads to a drum of limited length. Another drawback of the knowndevice is that only one type of massaging treatment, i.e. a definedmechanical load on the products which are to be massaged at a definedtemperature, with a defined massaging substance and a defined residencetime is possible in this device, so that in the case of products whichhave to be subjected to different massaging treatments, it is necessaryfor a plurality of devices to be positioned in succession.

[0007] A further drawback is that the massaging substance does notremain at a defined portion of supplied products, but rather comes intocontact with all products which are moving past, with the result thatthere is a risk of cross-contamination.

[0008] Another disadvantage is that in particular small products caneasily be damaged as a result of a part thereof passing into the gapbetween the helical plate element and the massaging surface.

[0009] Yet another drawback of the known device is that it is difficultto maintain and clean, since the possibilities of access to all parts ofthe interior of the drum are limited. When the helical plate element isremoved from the drum for maintenance or cleaning, a working space isneeded which is at least twice as large as the drum.

[0010] A further drawback is that the design of the known devicerequires a large amount of material in relation to the throughput whichis achieved.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] It is an object of the invention to provide a device, moreparticularly a massaging device, in which products can be treated in aflexible manner without the design of the device having to be changed. Afurther object of the invention is to prevent or at least reduce therisk of cross-contamination. Yet another object of the invention is toprevent damage to in particular small products in the treatment device.Another object of the invention is to significantly improve thepossibilities for maintenance and cleaning of the treatment device.

[0012] To achieve one or more of these objects, the device according tothe invention comprises discharge means which can be moved into anactive and an inactive operating state. This measure makes it possibleto adjust the residence time of the products in a treatment section asdesired by moving the products into the treatment section when thedischarge means are in an inactive operating state and moving thedischarge means into an active operating state at the end of the desiredresidence time. This creates considerable flexibility with regard to useof the device for a wide range of products and applications. A modularstructure becomes possible, since the dimensions of the drum do notdetermine for example the residence time any more, contrary to the priorart.

[0013] If a product is to undergo a plurality of different treatments,it is possible for various treatment sections to be arranged insuccession, the discharge means in each case discharging the products toa subsequent treatment section. The products can undergo just amechanical treatment per treatment section, and in addition a selectedmassaging substance may be supplied in an appropriate quantity.Obviously, it is also possible to carry out substantially the same typeof treatment in different treatment sections, in which case the totaltreatment time of a product is the sum of the treatment times in therespective treatment sections. In this way, the capacity of the devicecan be varied.

[0014] To prevent massaging substance from leaking or splashing orescaping in some other way from a treatment section, it is possible toprovide auxiliary means which, for example, seal the treatment section,limit the agitation of a liquid or granular or pulverulent substancelocated therein, guide or distribute products, or the like.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the discharge means can be movedbetween an active and an inactive position with the aid of an actuatingdevice. For optimum flexible operation, it is preferable for eachtreatment section to be provided with its own actuating device. However,for simple operation it is also possible to opt for the use of anactuating device which is common to a plurality of treatment sections.

[0016] In a simple, inexpensive and reliable preferred embodiment, theactuating device comprises a rod which can be actuated from outside thedevice or a cam track mechanism. In another preferred embodiment, whichis easy to control and reset, the actuating device comprises apiston-cylinder unit which makes it easy to achieve individual actuationfor each treatment section.

[0017] The actuating device is preferably designed to generate a controlsignal, for example, a release signal which indicates that the treatmentsection has been emptied and is ready to receive products, after thedischarge means of the treatment section have been moved into the activeposition. A feature of this type allows the treatment device to interactwith a portioning device which is positioned upstream of it and does notfeed a portion of products to the (first) treatment section until afterthe treatment section has emitted the required release signal. If thedevice comprises at least two treatment sections which the products areto pass through in succession, the actuating device is preferablydesigned to move the discharge means of the second treatment sectioninto an active position in order for the second treatment section to beemptied before moving the discharge means of the first treatment sectioninto the active position thereof. This prevents the products from thefirst treatment section from coming into contact with the products fromthe second treatment section, and consequently the treatments in thetreatment sections do not interfere with one another. However, when thedischarge means are adapted to discharge the products situated in thesecond treatment section separated from the products entering the secondtreatment section, then the actuating device of the massaging devicepreferably is designed to bring the discharge means of the first and thesecond treatment section into an active position for emptying the firstand the second treatment section.

[0018] In a further advantageous embodiment, the treatment meanscomprise at least one massaging element, the discharge means interactingwith the at least one massaging element in order to reach the active andthe inactive position.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the device according to theinvention, the treatment means are designed to be set in motion with theaid of a drive. For each treatment section, for the correspondingtreatment means it is possible to provide an associated, separate drive,but it is also possible to provide a drive which drives the treatmentmeans of a plurality of treatment sections simultaneously. Inparticular, the drive is such that the movement of the various treatmentmeans of the different treatment sections can be set differently ifdesired, resulting in a very flexible massaging device.

[0020] The treatment means of the at least one treatment section of thedevice according to the invention are preferably designed to be rotated.The device according to the invention advantageously comprises at leasttwo treatment sections, the different treatment means of the differenttreatment sections having a common bearing. For enabling the products aneasy access to the treatment means, the bearing comprises a ring, aplurality of wheels coupled to the treatment means being movable alongthe circumference of the ring. The ring forms an effective accessopening. The various treatment means of the various treatment sectionscan in particular be mounted on the same shaft, so that the device caneasily be adapted for different use by adding or removing treatmentsections to or from the bearing or shaft. This also simplifiesmaintenance, assembly/dismantling and cleaning of the device. For asimple structure, the rotation of the treatment means preferably takesplace relative to an essentially horizontally axis of rotation.

[0021] The treatment means preferably comprise at least one surfacewhich is oriented at an angle to the direction of movement thereof. Moreparticularly, the treatment means of a moveable, in particularrotatable, treatment section comprise a number of surfaces which are atan angle to one another and, as seen in cross section, form one or morepreferably inwardly directed points. The products which are to betreated are carried along by moving points and then drop off them again.Adjusting the movement of the treatment section is responsible fordetermining the duration, nature and intensity of the mechanical loadexerted on the products, which parameters are associated with the degreeof filling of the treatment section, the movement patterns (which maychange during the treatment) of the products, the distance covered bythe products and the properties (which may change during the treatment)of the products, such as their stickiness. The movement of the varioustreatment sections can be set differently, so that products which arefed in succession to the various treatment sections undergo differenttreatments therein. On the other hand, a different treatment for eachtreatment section can also be obtained with the same movement oftreatment sections with different internal structures.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the vertex angle of the points is atleast approx. 45° C., and the points are arranged at a distance from oneanother. If the points are formed asymmetrically, movements of thepoints in different directions (for example opposite directions ofrotation of a rotating treatment section) result in different mechanicalloads being applied to the products. The dimensions, shape and vertexangle of the points may differ in one treatment section or betweentreatment sections.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the surfaces are integral with a wallof the treatment section, with the result that a simple manufacture ofthe wall from one or a few pieces of plate material is possible. In anadvantageous embodiment, such a wall is at least partially detachablefor a facilitated access to the interior of the treatment section formaintenance and cleaning.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment the at least one surface of thetreatment means is movable along a stationary wall of the treatmentsection. Here, the surface may be part of a paddle. An edge of the atleast one surface, the edge facing the wall, may be at a distance fromthe wall, the distance being zero or more than zero. In practice, thedistance is selected such that a gap is created through which productscannot pass, but through which a massaging substance may pass. In anembodiment the at least one surface is hingable, the hinge axis beingessentially parallel to said axis of rotation. Thus, said edge can bekept in contact with the stationary wall continuously. For this purpose,at least one spring member for driving the at least one surface to apredetermined hinge position.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the treatment means comprisemassaging-substance feed means arranged in the space of the treatmentsection, for direct contact between the substance which is to besupplied by means of the massaging-substance feed means and theproducts. The quantity of massaging substance which is to be supplied ina treatment section is selected on the basis of the number and (currentand future) properties of the products which are to be treated.

[0026] In another preferred embodiment, a peripheral wall of the spaceof treatment section is provided with perforations, a chamber, which isopen at least on the side of peripheral wall, being formed outside thespace, adjacent to the peripheral wall, in order to supply or dischargea treatment medium to or from the space via the perforations. It is thuspossible, in a particularly simple manner, to achieve a treatment ofproducts, in which case the perforations can ensure that the treatmentmedium is distributed through the space of the treatment section whilethe treatment medium is being supplied.

[0027] In a further preferred embodiment, the treatment means comprisemeans for the transfer of heat via a peripheral wall of the space of thetreatment section. In this way, for certain products a direct contactbetween a heat or refrigeration source or a medium which releases heator cold, on the one hand, and the products, on the other hand, can beavoided.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the treatment means comprise needleswhich project into the space of the treatment section and by means ofwhich the surface of products can be treated, and the region below thesurface, in which case it is possible both to apply exclusivelymechanical changes to the product and to inject a treatment medium, ifthe needles are designed for this purpose. In a flexible preferredembodiment, in which the action of the needles can be varied, theneedles can be moved in a controllable manner in their longitudinaldirection.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the treatment section comprises arotatable drum which defines said space.

[0030] In another preferred embodiment, the treatment means comprise aseries of blades which are arranged in the space and are active incutting products in the space in the direction of rotation. Thetreatment means may also comprise a rotatable roller which is arrangedin the space and the axis of rotation of which is parallel to the axisof rotation of the drum, which roller acts to massage deformableproducts. The roller is preferably provided with grooves on its outersurface.

[0031] The discharge means preferably comprise a gutter, the outlet endof which is located outside the treatment section. The gutter collectsproducts located in a treatment section, after which they are dischargedvia the discharge end of the gutter.

[0032] Preferably, the discharge means are designed, in their activeoperating state, to discharge both the products and the liquid and/orsolid massaging substance located in the corresponding treatmentsection, with the result that the massaging substance and the productsremain together, so that the risk of bacterial and/or chemicalcross-contamination is minimal.

[0033] In another preferred embodiment, the discharge means aredesigned, in their active operating state, to discharge the products andto return the liquid and/or solid massaging substance located in thecorresponding treatment section to this treatment section, in particularas a result of the discharge means being provided with perforations.This prevents massaging substance which has not adhered to products frombeing removed from the treatment section.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, at least a part of a surface of thespace of each treatment section is provided with a profile, such as ribsor pointed projections, in order for the surface to entrain theproducts.

[0035] The treatment(s) carried out in the device according to theinvention may be combined with an excess-pressure, vacuum, piercing,cooking, steaming, cooling and/or gas treatment by providing suitablefeatures, which are known per se, in the device for this purpose.Furthermore, a powder-coating unit may be incorporated in a treatmentsection.

[0036] The claims and advantages will be more readily appreciated as thesame becomes better understood by reference to the following detaileddescription and considered in connection with the accompanying drawingsin which like reference symbols designate like parts, or parts with thesame or similar function.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037]FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a massaging device according tothe invention, arranged in line for the processing of products;

[0038]FIG. 1a shows a diagrammatic cross section through a treatmentsection;

[0039]FIG. 1b shows a diagrammatic cross section through anothertreatment section;

[0040]FIG. 1c shows a perspective view of a treatment section withmovable massaging elements;

[0041]FIG. 1d shows a perspective view of a treatment section withremovable massaging elements;

[0042]FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the massaging device shown inFIG. 1 in a different operating state;

[0043]FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a part of the device shown inFIG. 1;

[0044]FIGS. 4a and 4 b show perspective views of the action of the firstdischarge means in the device according to the invention;

[0045]FIG. 4c shows a perspective, diagrammatic illustration of atreatment section with an alternative embodiment of the first dischargemeans;

[0046]FIGS. 5a and 5 b show perspective views of the operation of asecond discharge means in the device according to the invention;

[0047]FIGS. 6a and 6 b show perspective views of the operation of athird discharge means in the device according to the invention;

[0048]FIGS. 7a and 7 b shows perspective views of the operation of afourth discharge means in the device according to the invention;

[0049]FIG. 8 shows the massaging device illustrated in FIG. 1, with adiagrammatic illustration of a control for discharge means;

[0050]FIG. 9a in perspective view shows some parts of an alternativemassaging device according to the invention;

[0051]FIG. 9b in perspective view illustrates a drive of the massagingdevice according to FIG. 9a, in closed condition;

[0052]FIG. 9c in perspective view illustrates the massaging deviceaccording to FIG. 9b, in open condition;

[0053]FIG. 9d in perspective view illustrates another embodiment of themassaging device according to FIG. 9c;

[0054]FIG. 9e in perspective view shows the massaging device accordingto FIG. 9d in another condition;

[0055]FIG. 10a in a diagrammatical cross-section shows a part of themassaging device according to FIG. 9a;

[0056]FIGS. 10b and 10 c illustrate in more detail alternativeembodiments of the part of the massaging device according to FIG. 10a;

[0057]FIGS. 10d, 10 e and 10 f in perspective view illustrate stillother embodiments of the part of the massaging device according to FIG.10a;

[0058]FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a partially cut-away treatmentsection with treatment means;

[0059]FIG. 12a shows a perspective view of a partially cut-awaytreatment section with other treatment means;

[0060]FIG. 12b shows a perspective view of a partially cut-awayalternative treatment section for the treatment which has beenillustrated in relation to FIG. 12a;

[0061]FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a partially cut-away treatmentsection for yet another treatment;

[0062]FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of a partially cut-away treatmentsection with means for yet another treatment;

[0063]FIG. 15a shows a perspective view of a partially cut-awaytreatment section with injection means;

[0064]FIG. 15b shows a perspective view of a partially cut-awayalternative treatment section with injection means;

[0065]FIG. 15c shows a perspective view of another partially cut-awaytreatment section with injection means;

[0066]FIG. 15d shows a perspective view of still another partiallycut-away treatment section;

[0067]FIG. 15e shows a perspective view of a detail of the treatmentsection according to FIG. 15d;

[0068]FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of a partially cut-away treatmentsection with strip-cutting means;

[0069]FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of a partially cut-away treatmentsection with tenderizing means;

[0070]FIG. 18a shows a perspective view of a partially cut-awaytreatment section with means for introducing a pulverulent or granularsubstance into the treatment section;

[0071]FIG. 18b shows a perspective view of a partially cut-awayalternative treatment section for performing the treatment which hasbeen illustrated in relation to FIG. 18a;

[0072]FIG. 19a shows a perspective view of another partially cut-awaytreatment section with means for introducing a pulverulent or granularsubstance into the treatment section;

[0073]FIG. 19b shows a perspective view of a partially cut-awayalternative treatment section for performing the treatment which hasbeen illustrated in relation to FIG. 19a;

[0074]FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of another partially cut-awaytreatment section with means for introducing a pulverulent or granularsubstance into the treatment section;

[0075]FIG. 21 shows a perspective view of yet another partially cut-awaytreatment section with means for introducing a pulverulent or granularsubstance into the treatment section;

[0076]FIG. 22 shows a perspective illustration of the manual supply ofproducts to the massaging device;

[0077]FIG. 23 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of ametering device for supplying products to the massaging device;

[0078]FIG. 24 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of ametering device for supplying products to the massaging device;

[0079]FIG. 25 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of ametering device for supplying products to the massaging device; and

[0080]FIG. 26 shows a graph illustrating the operation of the deviceaccording to the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0081]FIG. 1 shows a supply line 2 for starting products 6, inparticular meat products, a massaging device 3 and a discharge line 4for products 6 a which have been treated by the massaging device 3. Thesupply line 2 comprises a frame 10 which is arranged displaceably onlegs 8 and in which there is a conveyor belt 12 or the like by means ofwhich the products 6 can be moved in the direction indicated by arrow14. At the end which faces the massaging device 3, the supply line 2comprises a gutter 16, by means of which products 6 which drop off theconveyor belt 12 are fed into the massaging device 3.

[0082] The discharge line 4 comprises a frame 18, in which a beltconveyor 20 or the like is arranged, by means of which the products 6 areleased by the massaging device 3 via a gutter 22 can be moved in thedirection indicated by arrow 24 for a further processing operation. Thesupply line 2 and the discharge line 4 do not form part of the deviceaccording to the invention.

[0083] The massaging device 3 comprises a frame which can be displacedon lockable castors 25 and has a pair of substantially C-shaped supports26 a, 26 b, which are connected to one another by means of a hollowshaft 28. One or more rotatable treatment sections 30 a, 30 b, 30 c, 30d are mounted on the shaft 28, each of these treatment sections having aU-shaped cross section and a structure which will be explained in moredetail with reference to the following Figures. The treatment sections30 a and 30 b are connected to one another, with a toothing 32 beingprovided between these treatment sections, in which toothing the teethof a gear wheel 36 connected to a drive motor 34 mesh in order to drivethe treatment sections 30 a and 30 b at one or more predeterminedspeeds, and in a predetermined direction, or alternately in oppositedirections. The drive motor 34 is connected to the support 26 a. In theembodiment shown, the treatment sections 30 a and 30 b are fixedlyconnected to the treatment sections 30 c and 30 d. However, it is alsopossible for the treatment sections 30 c and 30 d to be driveindependently of the treatment sections 30 a and 30 b, for which purposetoothing 38 is provided between the treatment sections 30 c and 30 d. Anassociated drive motor (not shown in more detail) may be arranged on thesupport 26 b. It will be clear that the treatment sections 30 a-30 d mayalso be set in rotary motion in other ways, and if appropriate eachseparately, independently of the other treatment sections, and ifappropriate in different directions, for example by means of a beltdrive or by means of a drive shaft which is positioned in the hollowshaft 28 in order to drive the various treatment sections, if desired atdifferent speeds and in different directions.

[0084] Instead or in addition to being mounted on the shaft 28, thetreatment sections may also be mounted, on their underside, on shafts orrollers, as shown in the publication NL-A-9201490. Furthermore, it ispossible for the treatment sections to be mechanically connected to oneanother and to be coupled at the ends—for example via a disc or thelike—to a shaft or bearing, whereby a central shaft in the treatmentsections can be avoided.

[0085] At least one treatment section is provided with treatment meanscomprising massaging means, which in this case comprise massagingelements 40 which are triangular in cross section and are distributedalong the periphery in the interior of each treatment section 30 a-30 d.The distribution of the massaging elements 40 along the periphery is notnecessarily evenly. It is also possible for there to be only onemassaging element 40 for each treatment section 30 a-30 d, or formassaging elements to be absent altogether if the treatment which is tobe carried out does not require massaging elements. The massagingelements 40 may also be shaped differently, for example with asemicircular cross section, or may have different dimensions.

[0086]FIG. 1a illustrates the interior of a cylindrical treatmentsection with six massaging elements 42 which are formed by surfaceswhich are at an angle α of 105° C. with respect to one another. Themassaging elements 42 are arranged at a regular distance from oneanother, a surface 44 which extends between two successive massagingelements 42 being oriented at an angle β of 112.50° with respect to theadjacent surfaces of the massaging elements 42. When the treatmentsection is being used through rotation about the shaft 28, products arecarried a certain distance upwards by the massaging elements 42, afterwhich the products drop back onto one of the surfaces 44 or onto anothermassaging element 42.

[0087] The massaging elements may also be formed asymmetrically, forexample as indicated by dashed lines in FIG. 1a. The result of this isthat the mechanical treatment of products when the massaging elementsrotate in one direction differs from the mechanical treatment when themassaging elements rotate in the opposite direction.

[0088]FIG. 1b illustrates the interior of a cylindrical treatmentsection with twenty-four massaging elements 46 which are formed bysurfaces which are at an angle γ of 90° with respect to one another. Twoadjacent surfaces of successive massaging elements 46 are oriented at anangle δ of 75° with respect to one another. When the treatment sectionshown in FIG. 1b is in use products roll over successive massagingelements 46 through rotation about the shaft 28.

[0089] As FIG. 1c illustrates, detachable curved elongated plate-shapedparts 45 may be provided at the circumference of a treatment section.The plate-shaped parts are shaped such that they define both massagingelements 45 a and wall parts 45 b situated between the massagingelements 45 a of the treatment section. Preferably, the plate-shapedparts 45 are made from a flexible material, but it is also possible toproduce the plate-shaped parts 45 essentially rigid. The plate-shapedparts 45 are hingably coupled at an end 45 c with the remaining part ofthe treatment section. For a rigid arrangement of ring-shaped side walls47 relative to each other a number of bars 47 a extending transverselyto the plane of a side wall 47 to an opposite side wall 47 may beprovided. The bars 47 a may also serve as a point of attachment for endsof the plate-shaped parts 45, for which purpose an appropriate lockingknown as such may be provided. For fixing the position of eachplate-shaped part 45 relative to the side walls 47 between the hingablycoupled end 45 c and one of the bars 47 a, cams 49 may be provided towhich the plate-shaped parts 45 abut near their bending lines. At theiredges, the plate-shaped parts are provided with suitable sealing means,if necessary in relation to the massaging substance to be used in thetreatment section.

[0090]FIG. 1d illustrates a modification of the embodiment according toFIG. 1c. According to FIG. 1d, the plate-shaped elements 45 arecompletely removable. A fixing of the plate-shaped elements 45 to theside walls 47 may for example be made at the location of the bars 47 aby means of one or more speed couplings 51, which by the way may also beused in the embodiment of FIG. 1c.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 2, the treatment sections can be displaced alongthe shaft 28 in the directions indicated by double arrow 50, for examplefor the purpose of cleaning or maintenance, so that the treatmentsections are readily accessible. In the embodiment shown, the treatmentsections 30 c and 30 d, and also the treatment sections 30 a and 30 b,are connected to a support 52 with three spokes 54. The spokes 54 areconnected to a flat ring 56 which, on its outer circumference, bears thesets of toothing 32 and 38, respectively. The connection between atleast one of the supports 26 a, 26 b and the shaft 28 is releasable inorder for treatment sections to be removed or added as required.

[0092] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the hollow shaft 28 includes oneor more lines 60 which are in communication with one or more spray heads62 which are arranged releasably on the shaft 28, in one or moretreatment sections. One or more different massaging substances can beintroduced into a treatment section via the one or more lines 60. FIG. 3illustrates the spraying of a massaging liquid 63 into a treatmentsection, with a quantity of massaging liquid 63 present at the bottom ofthe treatment section. When the treatment section rotates about theshaft 28, in the direction indicated by arrow 64, the products 6 arecarried upwards by the massaging elements 40, and then, under the forceof gravity, slide back off the massaging elements 40 and tumble backdown into the massaging liquid 63. Arrow 66 illustrates this phenomenon,during which the products, as a result of dropping into the treatmentsection, undergo a mechanical treatment and take up massaging liquid 63.If no massaging substance is fed into the treatment section, amechanical treatment is all that takes place therein.

[0093] It will be clear that the spray head 62 or a similar arrangementcan also be used to clean the treatment section by introducing acleaning agent into the treatment section after it has been used andthen rinsing it.

[0094]FIGS. 4a and 4 b once again illustrate how the products 6 drop ina treatment section. An elongate, gutter-like discharge member 70, whichin FIG. 4a is in an inactive position and in FIG. 4b is in an activeposition, is arranged on one of the spokes 54. From the spoke 54, thedischarge member 70 extends substantially in the direction of the shaft28 to beyond an end of the treatment section. In the inactive position,the products 6 move past the discharge member 70. In the activeposition, in which an edge of the discharge member 70 bears against amassaging element 40, the products 6, when the treatment section ismoving in the direction indicated by the arrow 64, move into thedischarge member 70, as indicated by arrow 71. Under the force ofgravity, the products 6 slide along the discharge member 70 in thelongitudinal direction and move out of the treatment section, eitherinto a subsequent treatment section or onto the discharge line 4 (FIG.1).

[0095] The discharge member 70 is displaceably connected to the spoke54, it being possible for a connecting pin 72 to move along the spoke54, while the discharge member 70 can also pivot about the connectingpin 72. The discharge member 70 can be moved out of the inactiveposition into the active position with the aid of an arm 74 which isconnected to a rod 76. The rod 76 can be used exclusively to actuate thedischarge member 70, but may also be coupled to one or more dischargemembers of other treatment sections in order to actuate a plurality ofdischarge members simultaneously. A displacement of the rod 76 for thepurpose of actuating one or more discharge members takes place, forexample, at an end of the massaging device 3 at the location of thesupport 26 a or 26 b, as a result of one end of the rod 76 being broughtinto contact with a guide or the like, as indicated below, for examplein FIGS. 6a and 6 b, by 102.

[0096] It will be clear that the discharge member 70 can be displacedbetween its inactive position and its active position in numerousdifferent ways. A translational movement, a rotary movement or acombination of the two movements are possible. If the discharge memberis mounted fixedly on the spoke 54 in the active position, the productswill be discharged from the treatment section after at most onerevolution of the treatment section.

[0097] It is not essential for the discharge member 70 to interact witha massaging element 40; the discharge member 70 may also interact withanother wall part of the treatment section in order for products to beoptionally discharged from the treatment section.

[0098]FIG. 4c shows a treatment section with a discharge member 70 awhich is substantially in gutter or scoop form and is at least in partprovided with perforations 71 which are situated in the bottom part, asseen in the Figure, and two opposite side parts of the discharge member70 a. When products 6 are being discharged through the discharge member70 a when the latter is in its active position, the perforations 71 makeit possible for excess massaging substance which has been entrained bythe products 6 to be discharged back into the space of the treatmentsection via the perforations 71.

[0099] The massaging elements 40 of the treatment section shown in FIG.4c comprises V-shaped elements, the constituent plates of which arearranged at an angle of approx. 45° with respect to one another.

[0100]FIGS. 5a and 5 b illustrate an actuation of the discharge member70 with the aid of a piston-cylinder unit 80. The piston-cylinder unit80 is connected pivotably, about a pin 82, to a cam 84 which is fixedlyconnected to the spokes 54. An end of the piston rod 86 is connected, insuch a manner that it can pivot about a pin 88, to an arm 90 arranged onthe discharge member 70. As a result of the piston-cylinder unit 80being energized in a suitable way via an energizing line 92 guidedinside the shaft 28, the discharge member 70 is moved into its inactiveor active position, as indicated in FIGS. 5a and 5 b, respectively. As aresult of various discharge members of various treatment sections beingcoupled to one another, for example by means of a rod, a singlepiston-cylinder unit 80 for actuation of a plurality of dischargemembers suffices.

[0101]FIGS. 6a and 6 b illustrate an actuation of the discharge member70 with the aid of a cam track mechanism 94. For this purpose, thedischarge member 70 is provided with an arm 96, on which a wheel 98 isarranged in such a manner that it can rotate freely. The wheel 98 isguided in a cam track 100 of an actuating plate 102. The actuating plate102 can be rotated about the shaft 28, independently of the movement ofthe treatment section, from the position shown in FIG. 6a into theposition shown in FIG. 6b, with the result that the discharge member 70is moved from its inactive position into its active position. If variousdischarge members of various treatment sections are coupled to oneanother, for example by a rod, a single cam track mechanism 94 foractuation of a plurality of discharge members suffices.

[0102]FIGS. 7a and 7 b illustrate an operating principle in which thedischarge member 70 is in an inactive position when the treatmentsection rotates in the direction indicated by arrow 110, while thedischarge member 70 is in an active position when the treatment sectionrotates in the direction indicated by arrow 64. In this case, thedischarge member 70 can be actuated via the connecting pin 72, forexample by means of a guide in the form of the guide plate 102 which hasalready been shown with reference to FIGS. 6a and 6 b.

[0103] In this embodiment with alternating directions of rotation, it isalso possible for the discharge member 70 to be mounted in a fixedposition on the spoke 74, in the position shown in FIG. 7b. In thatcase, when the treatment section rotates in the direction indicated bythe arrow 110, no products 6 will be discharged from the treatmentsection, unlike the situation when it rotates in the direction indicatedby arrow 64.

[0104] Since the discharge member can be moved into the inactive or theactive position as desired, it is possible to select a treatment time ina treatment section which is optimal. If the actuation of each dischargemember is selected to be independent of that of the other dischargemembers, the treatment in each treatment section can be carried outindependently of the treatments in the other treatment sections. Thisresults in a very flexible massaging device which can operatecontinuously and in-line.

[0105] The arrangement which is shown in FIG. 8 substantiallycorresponds to that shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 8 diagrammatically indicatesthat a computer or other control device 120 can move discharge members124 into an active or inactive position, via one or more electric,hydraulic or pneumatic lines, symbolized by dashed lines 122, in orderfor products to be discharged from a treatment section and fed to asubsequent treatment section or for products to be discharged from themassaging device 3. Furthermore, the control device can be used tocontrol the drive motor 34 and any other drives of other treatmentsections. Signals which, for example, contain information about thetiming of the actuation of the discharge members 124 or about aparameter which has been measured in or outside the massaging device andinfluences the control of the discharge members 124 or the drive motor34, can be fed to the control device 120 via a line 126.

[0106] In some of the following Figures, a discharge member has beenomitted for the sake of clarity yet may nevertheless in actual fact bepresent.

[0107]FIGS. 9a-9 e show (a part of) a massaging device with asemi-cylindrical lower wall 101, which at two ends is connected to endwalls 103 with a semi-circular shaped upper edge. Together the lowerwall 101 and the end walls 103 form a tank 105 in which three treatmentsections are formed by two semi-ring shaped partitions 107. In eachtreatment section, treatment means 109 are arranged. Each of thetreatment means 109 comprise two support rings 111, which are providedalong their circumference with fingers for carrying scoop-shaped paddles113, for creating connections between support rings 111 of differenttreatment means 109, and for mounting a number of grooved wheels 115which in turn mount the treatment means 109 in rings 117. Such rings 117preferably are situated at the location of the end walls 103, andpossibly also at the location of the partitions 107. Of course, it isalso possible to mount the wheels 115 directly on the semi-circularshaped upper edges of the end walls 103 and/or the partitions 107, usingthe force of gravity. In that case, the rings 117 are absent.

[0108] The tank 105 may be provided with one or more discharges 105 afor removing massaging substances from the treatment sections, e.g. fora cleaning of the massaging device.

[0109] The paddles 113 primarily are intended to be moved in thedirection of arrow 119. The plane of the paddles 113 is at an angle tothe (tangent to the) direction 119 of movement of the paddles 113. Thus,the paddles 113 can take products to be treated along over somedistance, after which the products fall off the paddles 113 again by thechanging orientation of the paddles 113.

[0110] As shown in particular in FIG. 9b, the massaging device may beprovided with a lid 121 which, along a lower edge thereof, is hingablyconnected to the tank 105, and is provided with a window. It is alsoindicated how the treatment means 109 can be driven in rotation at anend of the massaging device: one or more of the wheels 115 and/orfingers of the adjacent support ring 111 are connected to a toothed ring123 with external toothing. An electric, pneumatic or hydraulic motor125 drives a gear-wheel 127 engaging the toothed ring 123. A singledrive suffices for the complete massaging device if the treatment means109 of the various treatment sections are connected to each other. Ofcourse, in other cases the treatment means of each treatment section maybe driven separately.

[0111] As illustrated in particular in FIGS. 9c, 9 d and 9 e, a simplemaintenance and a simple cleaning of the massaging device are possibleby virtue of the provision of the hingable lid 121 (FIG. 9c), thepossibility to move the treatment means 109 of one or more treatmentsections relative to the tank 105 and to possibly take them out of themassaging device (FIG. 9d) essentially in the direction indicated by thearrow(s), and to remove the partitions 107 from the tank 105 (FIG. 9e).The treatment means 109 can for example be moved by human power, anexternal lifting device, or a manipulator. Also a provision, such as alever construction, can be made to the massaging device itself formoving one or more of the treatment means 109 with respect to the tank105.

[0112]FIG. 10a illustrates a position of a paddle 113 relative to thelower wall 101. An edge of the paddle 113, preferably made from aflexible and wear-resistant material, at least partially is in contactwith the lower wall 101, causing both the products 6 and the massagingsubstance 63 in front of the paddle 113 to be stowed up and taken alongat a movement of the paddle 113 in the direction of the arrow 119, justto fall down again via the opposite edge of the paddle 113 after somedistance, after the paddle 113 has passed a horizontal orientation.

[0113] When the paddles 113 are moved in an opposite direction to theone indicated by the arrow 119, massaging substances, such as liquids orgranular or pulverulent solids, collecting in the tank 105 at the wallthereof can be removed from a treatment section, for example through adischarge 105 b which can be closed in a manner which is not shown infurther detail.

[0114]FIG. 10b shows in more detail again the situation at the edge ofthe paddle 113 which is in contact with the lower wall 101. FIG. 10cshows another position of said edge with respect to the lower wall 101,in which the edge is situated at a predetermined distance from the lowerwall, such that the massaging substance 63 can pass the paddle 113, butthe products 6 cannot pass the paddle 113. Thus it is possible to bringabout a separation between the products 6 and the massaging substance63.

[0115]FIG. 10d and 10 e show two paddle forms which differ in details.The embodiment according to FIG. 10d is similar to the one shown inFIGS. 9a-10 b. The leading edge of the paddle 113 essentially is incontact with the lower wall 101. Upright side walls of the paddle 113meet partitions 107 (or end walls 103) of the massaging device with asmall clearance.

[0116] The paddle 113 a according to FIG. 10e tapers towards thetrailing edge thereof, and the trailing edge forms part of an uprightwall part. This configuration provides for a better transfer of productsand possible massaging substance from the paddle 113 a to a dischargemember associated with the corresponding treatment section.

[0117]FIG. 10f illustrates a hinging arrangement of a paddle 113 brelative to the lower wall 101. At the location of connections 131, thepaddle 113 b is hingably coupled to the rings 111. At the location ofconnections 133, the paddle 113 b is hingably coupled to threaded bars135, which extend through openings of supports 137, and are providedwith locking nuts 139. Pressure springs 141 are provided on the threadedbars 135 between the connections 133 and the supports 137. Thus, thepaddle 113 b is tilted in the direction of the arrow, and the leadingedge of the paddle 113 b is biased against the lower wall 101. Withthese measures, one achieves in particular that the dimensional and formtolerances of the components of the massaging device, in particularthose of the lower wall 101, can be relatively large without influencingthe operation of the massaging device in a negative manner: the leadingedge of the paddle 113 b follows the lower wall 101.

[0118]FIG. 11 shows a treatment section 130 which can rotate about ahollow shaft 132, in the direction indicated by arrow 134. In the shaft132 a line 136 is accommodated which at the location of the treatmentsection 130 branches into two lines 136 a and 136 b which are ledthrough the wall of the shaft 132. A perforated spray head 138 issecured to the end of each line 136 a, 136 b, with valves 140 from whicha medium supplied through the line 136 can be blow out or sprayed overproducts 142 located in the treatment section 130. The medium used maybe air, carbon dioxide, nitrogen or another gas or gas mixture, or aliquid, such as water, or a pulverulent substance, with a predeterminedtemperature (for cooling, for example for the purpose of causing a layerof ice to form on the products 142, or heating). The valves 140 aredirected substantially downwards, since the products 142, while thetreatment section 130 is operating, as a result of the force of gravitywill collect substantially in the bottom part of the treatment section130 and can then be reached directly by the treatment medium.

[0119]FIG. 12a shows a structure of a treatment section 144 which has aperipheral wall 148 which is partially provided with perforations 146.The treatment section 144 can rotate about a hollow shaft 150 withrespect to a chamber 152 which is arranged in a fixed position withrespect to the shaft 150 along a section of the peripheral wall 148. Thechamber has a feed line 154, from which a gas, such air, or apulverulent substance can be introduced at a predetermined temperatureinto the chamber 152 and moved again via the perforations 146 into thetreatment section 144, as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 12a. Thechamber 152 preferably extends along the underside of the treatmentsection 144, since this is where the products which are to be treatedwill be located during operation, so that they are reached directly bythe gas or the powder, for example in order for the products to becooled or frozen.

[0120]FIG. 12b shows a treatment section 144 a with a similar functionas the one which has been discussed above in relation to FIG. 12a.However, in the case of FIG. 12b the peripheral wall 148 a and thechamber 152 are stationary, while the paddles 113 which fixed to therings 111 rotate in the direction of the arrow 119. Although in theFigure the complete peripheral wall 148 a is provided with perforations146, the perforations 146 can also be limited for example to the area ofthe peripheral wall 148 a which bounds the chamber 152.

[0121]FIG. 13 shows a structure of a treatment section 156 which canrotate about a hollow shaft 158. A chamber 162 which contains a liquid,such as water, at a defined temperature, is arranged in a fixed positionwith respect to the shaft 158 along a section of the closed peripheralwall 160 of the treatment section 156. Heat can be extracted from orsupplied to that section of the peripheral wall 160 which is in contactwith the liquid by the liquid in order for the products located in thebottom part of the treatment section 156 to be cooled/frozen or heatedaccordingly. If desired, the chamber 162 may be provided with inlets andoutlets (not shown in more detail) in order to change the liquid. Inaddition, by way of example, cooling devices or heating devices (notshown in FIG. 13) may be positioned in the liquid.

[0122]FIG. 14 shows a treatment section 164 which can rotate about ahollow shaft 166. A peripheral wall 168 is partially provided withperforations 170, similar to those shown in FIG. 10. Along a section ofthe peripheral wall 168, a chamber 172 is arranged in a fixed positionwith respect to the hollow shaft 166. The chamber 172 contains a liquid,such as water, which is at a defined temperature. The liquid flows viathe perforations 170 into the treatment section 164 and thus comes intodirect contact with products 174 located in the treatment section 164,in order to clean and/or cool and/or heat these products. If desired,the chamber 172 may be provided with inlets and outlets (not shown inmore detail) in order for the liquid to be changed. In addition, by wayof example, cooling devices or heating devices (not shown in FIG. 14)may be positioned in the liquid.

[0123]FIG. 15a shows a treatment section 176 which can rotate about ahollow shaft 178. In the shaft 178 there is a line 180 which leadsthrough the wall of the shaft 178 and at one end is provided with aspray head 182. A peripheral wall 184 of the treatment section 176 isprovided on the inner side with needles 186. Products 188 which arelocated in the treatment section 176, in the event of a rotation of thetreatment section, tumble over needles 186, in the direction indicatedby arrow 190, with the result that the structure of the products 188 atand below the outer surface thereof changes. This promotes uptake of amassaging substances (gas, liquid (for example brine) or powder), whichis sprayed towards the products 188 through the line 180 and via thespray head 182.

[0124]FIG. 15b shows a treatment section 192 which can rotate about ahollow shaft 194, in the direction indicated by arrow 195. A massagingsubstance (gas, liquid or powder) can be sprayed towards the bottom partof the treatment section 192 via a line 198 which is provided with aspray head 196 and is in communication with the interior of the shaft194. Needles 202, of which a first end projects through the peripheralwall 200 and an opposite, second end bears a thickened portion 204, arearranged on sections of a peripheral wall 200 of the treatment section192. The needles 202 are supported in a manner which is not shown inmore detail but is such that they can move substantially transverselywith respect to the surface of the peripheral wall 200, spring means 206being provided for the purpose of forcing the needles 202 largely out ofthe treatment section 192. A guide element 208 is arranged fixedly withrespect to the shaft 194, with a guide surface 210 which, as seen in thedirection indicated by the arrow 195, is at a gradually decreasingdistance from the peripheral wall 200.

[0125] When the treatment section 192 rotates in the direction indicatedby the arrow 195, the thickened portions 204 of the needles 202 comeinto contact with the guide surface 210 and the needles 202 aregradually driven into the treatment section 192. After they have passedthe guide element 208, the spring means 206 force the needles backoutwards. The needles 202 which have been driven into the treatmentsection by the guide element 208 change the structure at and/or belowthe surface of products situated at that location, in order to improvethe action or uptake of the massaging substance coming out of the line198.

[0126]FIG. 15c shows a treatment section 214 which can rotate about afixed hollow shaft 216. In the shaft 216 there is a line 218 which isguided through the wall of the shaft 216 into an injection device 220,which is fixedly connected to the shaft 216. The injection device 220comprises a number of needles 222 which can be moved into and out of theinjection device 220 in a manner which is not shown in more detail. Theneedles 222 are moved into the injection device 220 as they move pastthe massaging elements 40, and are moved out of the injection device 220between the passage of two successive massaging elements 40. The needles222 may be hollow in order to inject a substance supplied via the line218 into products.

[0127]FIGS. 15d and 15 e show a treatment section 192 a with a similarfunction as the one which has been discussed above in relation to FIG.15b. However, in the case of FIG. 15d the peripheral wall 200 a isarranged stationary, just like a needle unit 141 with which one or moreneedles 145 can be taken into and out of the treatment section 192 athrough perforations 143 in the peripheral wall 200 a. The paddles 113which are fixed to the rings 111 rotate in the direction of the arrow119. The needles 145 are taken outside the treatment section at the timewhen the paddles 113 pass the perforations 143, and can be taken intothe treatment section through the perforations 143 in between thepassages of the paddles 113. Products which are in the area of theperforations 143 thus are subjected to a penetration of the needles 145which is not only a result of the operation of the force of gravity(products fall onto needle points), but also is a result of the movementof the needles 145 into the treatment section (needle points are forcedinto the products). The displacement of the needles 145 relative to theperipheral wall 200 a takes place by means of one or more actuators notshown in further detail. It is possible, for example, to drive eachneedle 145 or set of needles 145 separately. A possibility indicated inFIG. 15d with dashed lines is to provide the needle unit 141 withfixedly arranged needles 145, and to connect the needle unit 141 throughone or more arms 221 with a hinge axis 223 for moving the needle unit141 by actuation of an actuator not shown in further detail in thedirections of the double arrow 225.

[0128]FIG. 16 shows a treatment section 226 which can rotate in thedirection indicated by arrow 228 about a fixed, hollow shaft 230. An arm234 which can be extended and retracted telescopically, in thedirections indicated by double arrow 232, with the aid of means whichare now shown in more detail, is fixed to the shaft 230. One end of thearm 234 is provided with a number of rotatable blades 236 which, withthe aid of the arm 234, can be moved onto or almost onto the inner sideof a peripheral wall 238 of the treatment section 226 and can be movedto a distance from the inner side of the peripheral wall 238. A plate242, which can be moved in the directions indicated by double arrow 240with the aid of means which are not shown in more detail, is alsoarranged on the arm 234. Thus, a free end 244 of the plate 242 can bemoved onto or almost onto the inner side of the peripheral wall 238 andto a distance therefrom. The energy for and control of the movements ofthe arm 234 and the plate 242 are supplied via the interior of the shaft230 via lines 231.

[0129] When the treatment section 226 is being used, it is in the firstinstance rotated in the direction indicated by arrow 228, during whichmovement the blades 236 are moved onto the inner side of the peripheralwall 238 and the end 244 of the plate 242 is moved to a distance fromthe peripheral wall 238. In this way, products 246 are cut into strips246 a. Then, the treatment section 226 is rotated in the reversedirection, during which process the blades 236 are moved to a distancefrom the inner side of the peripheral wall 238 and the end 244 of theplate 242 is moved onto the peripheral wall 238. In this way, the strips246 a are scraped off the inner side of the peripheral wall 238 and canbe discharged from the treatment section 226, for example with the aidof a discharge member (not shown in more detail) or with the aid of theplate 242.

[0130]FIG. 17 shows a treatment section 250 which can rotate, in thedirection indicated by arrow 252, about a fixed shaft 254. An arm 258which can be extended and retracted telescopically in the directionsindicated by double arrow 256 with the aid of means which are not shownin more detail is fixed to the shaft 254. One end of the arm 258 isprovided with a roller 260 which is provided with grooves, is mounted sothat it can rotate freely and, with the aid of the arm 258, can be movedonto or to a short distance from the inner side of a peripheral wall 262of the treatment section 250 and can be moved to a distance from theinner side of the peripheral wall 262. A discharge member 266, which canbe moved in the directions indicated by double arrow 264 with the aid ofmeans which are not shown in more detail, is also arranged on the arm258. A free end 268 of the discharge member 266 can thus be moved ontoor close to the inner side of the peripheral wall 262 and to a distancetherefrom. The energy for and control of the movements of the arm 258and the discharge member 266 are supplied via the interior of the shaft254 via lines 255.

[0131] When the treatment section 250 is being used, it is in the firstinstance rotated in the direction indicated by arrow 252, during whichprocess the roller 260 is moved towards the inner side of the peripheralwall 262 and the end 268 of the discharge member 266 is moved to adistance from the peripheral wall 262. In this way, products 270 aresubjected to alternating mechanical loads and as a result—in the case ofmeat—are tenderized. Then, the treatment section 250 is rotated in theopposite direction, during which process the roller 260 is moved to adistance from the inner side of the peripheral wall 262, and the end 268of the discharge member 266 is moved towards the peripheral wall 262. Inthis way, the tenderized products 270 are scraped off the inner side ofthe peripheral wall 262 and can be discharged from the treatment section250 with the aid of the discharge member 266.

[0132]FIG. 18a shows a treatment section 272 which can rotate about afixed shaft 274. A peripheral wall 276 of the treatment section 272 isprovided with perforations 278. Above the treatment section 272 there isformed a chamber 280 which is open on the side of the peripheral wall276. In the treatment section 272, side walls 282 and 284 of the chamber280 are adjoined by walls 286, 288, 290 and 292. The latter walls 286and 288 are fixed, in a manner which is not shown in more detail, withrespect to the shaft 274, while the walls 290 and 292 are fixedlyconnected to the shaft 274 by means of a support 294. Beneath thetreatment section 272 there is formed a collection chamber 296 which isopen at the top.

[0133] In operation, a pulverulent substance, such as flour, is placedin the chamber 280. The substance reaches the interior of the treatmentsection 272 via the perforations 278 and is guided by the walls 286-292towards gaps between the walls 286 and 290 and between the walls 288 and292, where the substance drops down in two streams onto products 298which are located substantially in the bottom part of the treatmentsection 272. Some of the substance adheres to the products 298, and afurther part of the substance leaves the treatment section 272 via theperforations 278, ending up in the collection chamber 296 from which itis discharged.

[0134]FIG. 18b shows a treatment section 272 a with a similar functionas the one discussed above in relation to FIG. 18a. However, in the caseof FIG. 18b the peripheral wall 276 a and the chamber 296 arestationary, while the paddles 113 which are fixed to the rings 111rotate in the direction of the arrow 119. Although in the Figure thecomplete peripheral wall 276 a is provided with perforations 278, theperforations 278 can also be limited to the area of the peripheral wall276 a which is situated near the chamber 296.

[0135]FIG. 19a shows a treatment section 300 which can rotate about ashaft 302. A peripheral wall 304 of the treatment section 300 is locallyprovided with perforations 306. Outside the treatment section 300, afirst chamber 308 and a second chamber 310 are formed, which chambers308, 310 are open on their side which faces the peripheral wall 304. Thechambers 308, 310 are in communication with lines 312 and 314,respectively.

[0136] In operation, in the case of a rotating treatment section 300, apulverulent substance, such as flour, is blown into the chamber 308 viathe line 312. As the perforations 306 move past the chamber 308, thesubstance will move into the treatment section 300, where it adheres toproducts located in the treatment section 300. The line 314 and thechamber 310 can act in the same way as the line 312 and the chamber 308.The direction of flow of the substance in the line 314 may also be thereverse of that in line 312, i.e. towards the treatment section 300 inthe line 312 and away from the treatment section 300 in the line 314. Itis also possible for the direction of flow of the substance in the line314 to be towards the treatment section 300, and in the line 312 to beaway from the treatment section 300.

[0137]FIG. 19b shows a treatment section 300 a having a similar functionas the one discussed above in relation to FIG. 19a. However, in the caseof FIG. 19b the peripheral wall 304 a and the chambers 308 and 310 arestationary, while the paddles 113 which are fixed to the rings 111rotate in the direction of the arrow 119. The perforations 306 arelimited to the areas of the peripheral wall 304 a bounding the chambers308 and 310.

[0138]FIG. 20 shows a similar arrangement to that shown in FIG. 19a,with a pulverulent substance, such as flour, being blown into a chamber324 via a line 322, which chamber 324 is open on its side which facesthe peripheral wall 304 of the treatment section 300 in order for thesubstance to be supplied to the treatment section 300 via theperforations 306, so that it can adhere to products located in thetreatment section 300. Surplus substance located in the bottom part ofthe treatment section 300 passes via the perforations 306 into areceptacle 326, from which it can be discharged.

[0139] In the arrangement shown in FIG. 21, a pulverulent or granularsubstance is fed to the treatment section 300 from a vibrating chute 330via an opening in the treatment section 300. As an alternative to avibrating chute, it is also possible to use vibrating belt, the beltconveying the pulverulent or granular substance to the treatment section300.

[0140] FIGS. 22-25 illustrate various ways of supplying products to amassaging device 3, also known as metering.

[0141]FIG. 22 illustrates how a worker 340 places products 6 from acontainer 342 onto a conveyor belt 12 moving in the direction indicatedby arrow 344, after which the products 6, via the gutter 16, reach atreatment section 30 a of the massaging device 3.

[0142]FIG. 23 illustrates a supply of products 6 into receptacles 348,which are advanced in the direction indicated by arrow 346, of areceptacle conveyor 350. The receptacle conveyor 350 comprises aweighing device (not shown in more detail) and is also provided withmeans for tilting a receptacle 348 at the location of a chute 352 if theweight of the product 6 located in the corresponding receptacle is equalto a predetermined weight. When the receptacle 348 is tilted, theproduct 6 slides via the chute 352 onto the conveyor belt 12, by meansof which the product is fed to the massaging device 3.

[0143]FIG. 24 shows a section of a filleting line, in which fillets 360are moved in the direction indicated by arrow 364 with the aid ofsuitable conveyor means 362. When it passes a chute 366, a fillet 360 isreleased from the associated conveyor means 362, after which the fillet360 slides via the chute 366 onto the conveyor belt 12 and is fedonwards to the massaging device 3.

[0144]FIG. 25 shows a belt conveyor 370 with a shelved belt 374 withraised walls 376 which is moving in the direction indicated by arrow372. A product 6 is located between two successive walls 376. Theshelved belt 374 is arranged in such a manner that the products 6, atthe end of their conveying by the shelved belt 374, move onto theconveyor belt 12 and are fed onwards to the massaging device.

[0145]FIG. 26 shows a graph in which three curves are plotted toillustrate the action of the massaging device; the curves represent (onthe vertical axis) the uptake of brine in pieces of meat in percentagesby weight or volume plotted against a distance in metres (plotted on thehorizontal axis) covered by the pieces of meat in the massaging device.The distance covered is the distance which a product covers by rolling,sliding and/or dropping in the treatment section. The first curve, whichis indicated by triangular symbols, represents the uptake of brine iften times the required quantity of brine is metered into the treatmentsection, while the second curve, which is indicated by diamond symbols,represents the uptake of brine in the event of matched, correct meteringof brine in the treatment section. The third curve, which is indicatedby squares, represents the uptake of brine if in the first instance anexcess of brine is used but this quantity is reduced in a subsequentstage. It can be seen that in this way the uptake of brine whichaccording to the second curve is only achieved after a distance of 450metres has been covered is achieved after just 180 metres has beencovered according to the third curve. Therefore, the same result can beachieved with a greatly reduced treatment time by in the first instanceusing an excess of brine and in the second instance using a lowerquantity of brine. The quantity of brine therefore represents acontrolling factor in achieving the desired uptake of brine. Therefore,in a first treatment section an excess of brine can be used, for a rapidinitial uptake of brine in that section, and in a subsequent treatmentsection a suitably matched quantity of brine can be used, in order toachieve a desired final value for the uptake of brine in this subsequentsection. It is also possible for an excess of brine to be reduced byremoving brine from the treatment section.

[0146] While the invention has been described and illustrated in itspreferred embodiments, it should be understood that departures may bemade therefrom within the scope of the invention, which is not limitedto the details disclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for treating products, in particularmassaging meat products, comprising: at least one treatment sectionhaving a space for accommodating the products, which space comprises atreatment device for treating the products; and a discharge device fordischarging the products from the space of the treatment section,wherein the discharge device can be brought into an active and aninactive operating state.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein thedischarge device can be moved between an active and an inactive positionwith the aid of an actuating device.
 3. The device of claim 2, whereineach treatment section is provided with its own actuating device.
 4. Thedevice of claim 2, wherein the actuating device is common to a pluralityof treatment sections.
 5. The device of claim 2, wherein the actuatingdevice comprises a rod which can be actuated from outside the device. 6.The device of claim 2, wherein the actuating device comprises apiston-cylinder unit.
 7. The device of claim 2, wherein the actuatingdevice comprises a cam track mechanism.
 8. The device of claim 2,wherein the actuating device is designed to generate a control signalafter the discharge device of the treatment section has been moved intothe active position.
 9. The device of claim 2, comprising at least twotreatment sections through which the products are to pass in succession,the actuating device being designed to move the discharge device of thesecond treatment section into an active position in order for the secondtreatment section to be emptied before moving the discharge device ofthe first treatment section into its active position.
 10. The device ofclaim 2, comprising at least two treatment sections through which theproducts are to pass in succession, the actuating device being designedto move the discharge device of the first and the second treatmentsection into an active position essentially at the same time in orderfor the first and the second treatment section to be emptied.
 11. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the treatment device comprises at least onemassaging element, the discharge device interacting with the at leastone massaging element in order to reach the active and the inactiveposition.
 12. The device of claim 1, wherein the treatment device isdesigned to be set in motion with the aid of a drive.
 13. The device ofclaim 12, comprising at least two treatment sections, and wherein themovement of the different treatment devices of the different treatmentsections differs.
 14. The device of claim 12, wherein the treatmentdevice is designed to be rotated.
 15. The device of claim 14, comprisingat least two treatment sections, the different treatment devices of thedifferent treatment sections having a common bearing.
 16. The device ofclaim 14, wherein the bearing comprises a ring, along the circumferenceof which ring a number of wheels coupled to the treatment device aremovable.
 17. The device of claim 15, wherein the different treatmentdevices of the different treatment sections are mounted on the sameshaft.
 18. The device of claim 14, wherein the rotation takes placerelative to an essentially horizontal axis of rotation.
 19. The deviceof claim 18, wherein the treatment device comprises at least one surfacewhich is oriented at an angle to the direction of movement thereof. 20.The device of claim 19, wherein the treatment device comprises a numberof surfaces which are at an angle to one another and, as seen in crosssection, form one or more points.
 21. The device of claim 20, whereinthe vertex angle of the points is at least approx. 45°.
 22. The deviceof claim 20, wherein the points are arranged at a distance from oneanother.
 23. The device of claim 20, wherein the points are formedasymmetrically.
 24. The device of claim 20, wherein the dimensions ofthe points differ from one another.
 25. The device of claim 20, whereinthe surfaces are integral with a wall of the treatment section.
 26. Thedevice of claim 19, wherein the at least one surface is movable along astationary wall of the treatment section.
 27. The device of claim 26,wherein an edge of the at least one surface, the edge facing the wall,is situated at a distance from the wall.
 28. The device of claim 26,wherein the at least one surface is arranged hingedly, the hinge axisbeing essentially parallel to said axis of rotation.
 29. The device ofclaim 28, wherein at least one spring member is provided for biasing theat least one surface to a predetermined hinge position.
 30. The deviceof claim 1, wherein the treatment device comprises a massaging-substancefeed device, which is arranged in the space of the treatment section,for supplying a massaging substance.
 31. The device of claim 1, whereina peripheral wall of the space of the treatment section is provided withperforations, a chamber, which is open at least on the side ofperipheral wall, being formed outside the space, adjacent to theperipheral wall, in order to supply or discharge a treatment medium toor from the space via the perforations.
 32. The device of claim 1,wherein the treatment device comprises a device for the transfer of heatvia a peripheral wall of the space of the treatment section.
 33. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the treatment device comprises needles whichproject into the space of the treatment section.
 34. The device of claim33, wherein the needles can be moved in a controllable manner in theirlongitudinal direction.
 35. The device of claim 1, wherein the treatmentsection comprises a rotatable drum which defines the said space, whichdrum has an axis of rotation and a direction of rotation.
 36. The deviceof claim 35, wherein the treatment device comprises a series of bladeswhich are arranged in the space and operate so as to cut products in thespace in the direction of rotation.
 37. The device of claim 35, whereinthe treatment device comprises a rotatable roller which is arranged inthe space and the axis of rotation of which is parallel to the axis ofrotation of the drum, which roller acts so as to massage deformableproducts.
 38. The device of claim 37, wherein the roller is providedwith grooves on its outer surface.
 39. The device of claim 1, whereinthe discharge device comprises a product-guiding part, a discharge endof which is located outside the treatment section.
 40. The device ofclaim 39, wherein the product-guiding part is in the form of a gutter.41. The device of claim 1, wherein the discharge device is designed, inits active operating state, to discharge both the products and theliquid and/or solid massaging substance located in the correspondingtreatment section.
 42. The device of claim 1, wherein the dischargedevice is designed, in its active operating state, to discharge theproducts and to return the liquid and/or solid massaging substancelocated in the corresponding treatment section to this treatmentsection.
 43. The device of claim 42, wherein the discharge device isprovided with perforations.
 44. The device of claim 1, wherein thedischarge device is designed, in its active operating state, todischarge the products, the liquid and/or solid massaging substancelocated in the corresponding treatment section not being discharged. 45.The device of claim 1, wherein at least a part of a surface of the spaceof each treatment section is provided with a profile.
 46. The device ofclaim 1, wherein different treatment sections are formed in a commonspace, provision being made for a removable treatment device andremovable partitions between the different treatment sections.
 47. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the at least one treatment section has a wallwhich is at least partly removable.